Young Church
I grew up in an older church rich in faith heritage. The church was located in Casey Creek, KY and named Roley Christian Church. I remember the attendance grew at one time during my teenage years up to about 70 in average attendance. My Dad was the song leader as well as an Elder in the church. I have some very fond memories of that church. The church was like most churches that size and occasionally there would be a minor dispute/disagreement among members and the preacher. I felt called to a life of ministry while growing up in this church. I remember speaking for the first time in public at this church.
I am now part of a young church called Southern Hills Christian Church in Carrollton, GA. The church is less than 20 years old and currently has an average attendance of 700 or so people each week. The church doesn’t have tons of traditions yet and I hope we keep fighting that. Traditions are not all bad, but when traditions take president over scripture – traditions go bad. The early church was brand new and lacked tradition, but really do set the standard of how today’s church should look. Check this out….
42 They devoted themselves to the apostles’ teaching and to fellowship, to the breaking of bread and to prayer. 43 Everyone was filled with awe at the many wonders and signs performed by the apostles. 44 All the believers were together and had everything in common. 45 They sold property and possessions to give to anyone who had need. 46 Every day they continued to meet together in the temple courts. They broke bread in their homes and ate together with glad and sincere hearts, 47 praising God and enjoying the favor of all the people. And the Lord added to their number daily those who were being saved. (Acts 2:42-47 NIV)The church is to reflect the founder – Jesus Christ. The Counselor that Jesus spoke about is available and present for all believers. I think some believers don’t listen to His prompting. I’ve been known to be “hard of hearing” when it comes to listening to the Holy Spirit. The Holy Spirit of God was a major Presence for the early church. I believe that the Holy Spirit is the major presence in the church today. I don’t want to be part of church where the Holy Spirit is not welcome. The Holy Spirit can work through traditions and habits, but the Holy Spirit is often fresh and new. The Spirit is orderly, yet spontaneous. I want to be a Sprit-filled worshipper and follower of Jesus. I want to have the characteristics of a young believer filled with wonder and awe every day because of the Holy Spirit presence in me!
Pressing On! Dwayne